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Blur

1. To render obscure by making the form or outline of confused and uncertain, as by soiling; to smear; to make indistinct and confused; as, to blur manuscript by handling it while damp; to blur the impression of a woodcut by an excess of ink. But time hath nothing blurred those lines of favor Which then he wore. (Shak)

2. To cause imperfection of vision in; to dim; to darken. Her eyes are blurred with the lightning's glare. (j. R. Drake)

3. To sully; to stain; to blemish, as reputation. Sarcasms may eclipse thine own, but can not blur my lost renown. (Hudibras)

Synonym: to spot, blot, disfigure, stain, sully.

Origin: Prob. Of same origin as blear. See Blear.

1. That which obscures without effacing; a stain; a blot, as upon paper or other substance. As for those who cleanse blurs with blotted fingers, they make it worse. (Fuller)

2. A dim, confused appearance; indistinctness of vision; as, to see things with a blur; it was all blur.

3. A moral stain or blot. Lest she . . . Will with her railing set a great blur on mine honesty and good name. (Udall)